Interview: The Big Issue Foundation CEO Stephen Robertson

Here at Let’s Knit we are super excited by this year’s ‘The Big Knitathon’ and ‘Wear Something Woolly Day’. As we approach November, the month of the Big Issue Knitathon, we speak to Stephen Robertson about the inspiration for these events, and the best way to support the cause.

Could you tell us more about why these events were set up?
This will be our 5th year of nationwide knitting initiatives. Big Issue vendors work in the heart of local communities and we have developed this event in reflection of that fact. The knitting and crafting community is huge and we wanted to develop a programme that allows people to do what they enjoy alongside raising awareness and funds, whilst having some fun.

Who can take part and how can people get involved?
Anyone can take part, whether you’ve been knitting for years or just picked up your needles! There’s so many different ways to take part from holding your first knitting marathon, to making items to sell to friends and family. We’re also looking for schools and corporate organisations to put on their woolly jumpers and take part in ‘Wear Something Woolly Day’ this year so they can get involved at school and in the work place too!

Where can people sign up for these events and what will they receive?
You can sign up at www.bigissue.org.uk/knitathon. We’re asking for a £5 donation to register and you will receive a pack with lots of goodies to help with your fundraising as well as some inspiration for your knitting. If anyone would like to host a Wear Something Woolly Day they can let us know via email at events@bigissue.com.

How will the money raised from the events be used to support the homeless?
The funds raised will help us provide the vital support that enables our vendors to move their lives forward and manage some of the issues that bought them to us in the first place. We’re really grateful to each and every participant for choosing to support our work at this time and hope that as many people as possible get knitting for good!